May 1916

Escaped from Germany

After having been a prisoner of war in Germany for 19th months, Sergeant John Crockett, a Dundee member of the Wiltshire Regiment, has arrived at his home.

The fortunate soldier now enjoys his liberty as the result of a daring and successful escape from his internment.Sergeant Crockett is the son of Mr and Mrs J. Crockett, Hilltown, Dundee. He was in the army at the outbreak of war and soon afterwards was sent to the front in France. He fell into the hands of the enemy during an engagement in November 1914 and was placed in captivity in a German camp.

For a long time Sergeant Crockett had been silently devising a plan of escape. Early one morning some weeks ago he found the opportune moment for the attempt. Alone and unaided and under the disguise of a German, the daring Sergeant made his escape. His progress was challenged by German guards on three different occasions, but after several thrilling experiences he was successful in eluding his foes and reached the Dutch frontier safely, having covered 45 miles in about 16 hours. Little difficulty was afterwards experience in finally reaching London.

Sergeant Crockett resides in Gosport, but is at present in Dundee at his parent’s home.

A Hero’s Death

Mr Nicol Wilkie of 111, Princes Street, Dundee has received intimation that his son, Sergeant Thomas Wilkie, was killed in action on 30th April 1916.

Sergeant Wilkie joined the Black Watch 5½ years ago, and went to France with his regiment as part of the original Expeditionary Force. He has seen all the fighting and was present at Ypres on 9th May last year; also at Neuve Chapelle, Festubert and Loos.

Mr Wilkie has a card signed by the Major-General Commanding the Division, which was sent to Sergeant Wilkie, and contains the following:-

“I have read with great pleasure the report of your conduct in good scouting in the Loos-Hulluch section between November 15, 1915 and January 15, 1916. Your name and the circumstances of the case have been duly recorded”.

Sergeant Wilkie was only 21 years of age.

D.S.O. for Dundonian

Mr James Gow, 3, Argyle Street, Dundee, has just received a cablegram from his son, Captain P. Fleming Gow, stating that he has been awarded the D.S.O.
Captain Gow a native of Dundee, was educated at Morgan Academy and University College and graduated M.C, Ch.B., D.P.H. After practising n the Infirmary and the Asylum, he joined the Indian Medical Service three years before the war broke out, coming to France with the first Indian troops to land at Marseilles. Subsequently he served in Mesopotamia. His message adds that he is fit and well.

Boys Boots

Economise, save middle profits. We sell direct by post. Every size at keen prices. Catalogue free…. Patterson, 91, Overgate Dundee.

Entertainment

Her Majesty’s Theatre
Monday 15th May, for 6 nights only.
Bransgrove and Slaughter present –
Mr Chas Groves & Company
In The Greatest Farce,
“What Happened to Jones”
Box office open at Paterson’s. Tel 1919.

Soldier Severely Wounded

A War Office communication conveys the intelligence that Private Jas. Malcolm, Black Watch, a Broughty Ferry lad, has again been wounded in action, this time seriously, and lies in a hospital at Basra, where he was taken on April 17th. The young soldier was wounded on September 27th last year at the big struggle at Festubert, when his brother Tom Malcolm was killed. After recovery he went with the battalion to Mesopotamia, and has again, as stated, been injured. Private Malcolm was employed before the war at Monifieth Foundry. Like his brother Tom, he was an active member of the Dundas Street Club and Bible Class.

Entertaining the Wounded

Madame Ellen Overgaard the distinguished Danish Prima Donna, gave a very fine entertainment to the wounded soldiers at the Red Cross Hospital, Lochee, on Saturday evening. Madame Overgaard brought with her Miss Bessie Spence, violinist and Miss Colquhoun, contralto. Madame Overgaard sang with great power and sweetness, and her singing much delighted her audience. The staff and patients greatly appreciated the honour conferred on the hospital.

Alleged Army Deserters

Sheriff Neish at Dundee yesterday had before him two more men who, it is understood, plead conscientious objections to military service. They were charged with failing to report themselves to the recruiting officer without reasonable excuse. Both tendered a plea of not guilty, and in each case an adjournment was made till 9th May for trial. Bail was fixed at £10. The accused were Daniel K. Murphy, jute weigher, 18, Ann Street and Alfred M. McFanld, calendar-worker, 34, Benvie Road.

Comforts for Tommy

Donations of socks, tobacco and cigarettes have been received from the following generous readers:-

Tobacco Fund
David Brown, Kingask, St. Andrews, 1s; D.C. Strachan, Alberta Canada 1s; Mrs Anderson, 53, Church Street, 6d.

Donation List
Mary Jane Strachan, Woodside, Arbuthnott, Fordoun, 1 pair of socks and cigarettes.

Some Money-Saving Tips

Add a little cornflour to the salt cellar and it will prevent the salt from hardening. Half a teaspoonful of cornflour to two tablespoons of salt is quite sufficient. Mrs Charles Linn, Glasgow.

To Clean a Burnt Saucepan, fill the pan with cold water, put in a bit of soda, heat slowly and let it boil for some time; then scrub with a saucepan brush. –Mrs James Baird, Dundee.

Stale bread can be made quite fresh and soft if wrapped in a damp cloth for a few minutes, then placed in an oven till warmed through. Mrs Charles Linn, Glasgow.